Hugging the Rhine River’s edge, Basel locates the heart typical of Switzerland yet surprises with a diverse flair. As Switzerland’s cultural hub, Basel overflows with tales from days gone by, breathtaking artistic sites, and masterful structures.
It’s a treasure trove for every kind of traveler; history enthusiasts, art seekers, or those chasing the charm of its scenic alleys. In this article, we’ll explore everything you should do in Basel, Switzerland, to make your trip worthwhile. Dive into our roundup of top Basel activities and make your adventures in this magical metropolis unforgettable.
Roam around Basel’s Historic Core
“Altstadt,” known as Basel’s Old Town, is a goldmine filled with medieval allure, curvy cobblestone paths, and historic buildings. The Rhine River slices this ancient zone into halves, planting Grossbasel, the more significant part, on one bank and Kleinbasel, the tinier sibling, on the flip side.
Begin your journey at Marktplatz, Basel’s bustling heart, where you can spot the eye-catching red sandstone Basel Old Town Hall, known as Rathaus. This impressive structure features detailed wall paintings and a gothic style from the 1500s, and it’s a must-visit.
Just around the corner, there’s Spalenberg, an incredible web of tight alleys full of unique boutiques, authentic Swiss bakeries, and warm, welcoming coffee shops. It’s perfect for immersing yourself in the classic vibe of Basel.
Check out the Basel Minster, a remarkable Gothic church in the Old Town’s skyline. It was built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Minster has incredible carvings, unique colored glass, and two towers everybody knows. Go up the towers, and you’ll get sick views of the whole city and the Rhine River.
Basel is like a treasure chest for anyone into art and culture. It has over 40 museums, the top number for Swiss cities. These places have all sorts of stuff, whether you’re into art masterpieces, historical facts, scientific discoveries, or creative design work.
The Basel Art Museum, also known as Kunstmuseum Basel, is one of Europe’s most renowned and oldest art collections. It displays an array of artworks spanning from the Renaissance to modern times, including masterpieces by Holbein, Picasso, and Van Gogh.
If modern art is what you’re after, head over to Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, just a stone’s throw from the city. Nestled in a structure crafted by Renzo Piano, this spot offers a peek at pieces from legendary artists like Monet, Warhol, and Rothko. Plus, it’s all set in a super chill garden scene.
You have to check out the Museum Tinguely. It’s all about Swiss artist Jean Tinguely’s creations. The dude mixed engineering and art, making these kinetic sculptures that move and make you think.
If you’re into old stuff, visit the Basel Historical Museum. Inside this epic old church from the 14th century, the Barfüsserkirche is loaded with cool medieval things and awesome tapestries.
Take a Walk by the Rhine River
The Rhine River plays a significant role in what makes Basel unique, with gorgeous views and loads of stuff to do. Strolling by the Rhine is chill and lets you get to know the place. Along the walking paths, you’ll find coffee shops, green spaces, and art in the open air, which are awesome for taking it easy.
When it gets hot out, folks in Basel and tourists hit the Rhine to cool off with a swim. There’s this cool custom where people use “Wickelfisch” – splash-proof sacks to dry your gear while drifting in the water. Need to get into swimming? No worries—you can try a paddleboard on your feet or hop on a classic Basel ferry. They don’t have motors and use the river flow to get around.
The Rhine’s shores are a hotspot for all sorts of happenings and carnivals year-round. These include the crowd-pleasing Basel Rhine Swim, and when Buvette season hits, temporary bars by the river appear to dish out beverages and light bites.
Dive into Basel’s Electric Cultural Mix
Basel bursts with events showing off its artsy side and cultural color all year. A big draw is Art Basel, a super famous modern art gathering that takes place every June. It pulls in creators, art lovers, and buyers from everywhere, making Basel the center of the art universe for seven solid days.
You must check out Basel Fasnacht, the city’s lively and fun carnival. It starts in February or March, flipping Basel into a frenzy of bright colors, tunes, and wild outfits.
The shindig kicks off at the break of dawn, 4 a.m., with “Morgestraich,” this enchanting march full of lanterns, and keeps the party going with a full three days of parades, gigs, and all sorts of fun.
If you’re all about those melodies, Basel Music Festival and Jazz Festival Basel are where it’s at with top-notch shows. Plus, Theater Basel is the go-to spot for arts in the city, dishing out opera, ballet, and plays all year round.
Hop Across Borders in Basel’s Super Cool Spot
Basel is located at the intersection of Switzerland, Germany, and France, which is handy if you’re looking to explore all three countries without hassle. Hop on a tram or train, and you’ll be rolling into Weil am Rhein in no time.
It’s this cozy German spot with the Vitra Design Museum, and let me tell you, that place is a feast for your eyes if you’re into cool buildings. You’ll get crazy good designs, with some pieces by big-shot architects like Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid.
Now, if you head west, there’s a treat waiting for you in France. You’ve got Saint-Louis and Mulhouse and some top-notch eats. Think hearty Alsatian dishes that’ll have you drooling. Plus, picturesque little villages that are like something out of a storybook. And don’t even get me started on the Cité de l’Automobile – it’s the king of car museums on the globe. Diving into Basel’s international vibe cranks up the cool factor of your vacation.
Hang out at Basel Zoo
Swiss peeps often call Basel Zoo “Zolli.” It’s the oldest zoo in Switzerland and super popular. Right smack in the middle of the city, Zolli’s got a bunch of animals—over 600 types! They’ve got lions, giraffes, big stompers (elephants), and penguins. They try hard to make sure the animals feel like they’re at home in the wild.
So, what’s super awesome to check out? There’s the Gamgoas African Savannah, where you can pretend you’re on a safari. If you’re into scaly and wet creatures, the vivarium won’t disappoint—loads of reptiles and stuff from underwater.
Oh, and make sure to take advantage of the Etosha House. It’s where rhinos chill with other animals from Africa. For folks who dig animals and want to learn about saving them, Basel Zoo is a blast for all ages.
Taste the Flavor of Basel
Basel boasts a vibrant food scene as rich as its arts blending timeless Swiss recipes, restaurants, global flavors, and cutting-edge gourmet experiences. Kick off your food adventure with the city’s favorite snack, the “Basler Läckerli,” a sweet and spiced gingerbread treat filled with honey, nuts, and candied fruit.
If you’re craving an authentic Swiss dish, pop into a snug “Beiz” (a local tavern) to savor favorites like melty fondue, indulgent raclette, and crispy rösti. Plus, Basel’s buzzing market scene shines at Marktplatz, where vendors hawk everything from crisp veggies local delights, and dishes from around the world.
Wine lovers dig the Basel area’s vineyards. You can taste some top-notch Swiss wines there, including Pinot Noir and Riesling-Sylvaner. Imagine sipping your wine and a chill meal by the river. That’s a combo you won’t forget anytime soon.
Check Out Basel’s Cool Modern Buildings
Basel has this old part of town that’s all about vintage vibes. But let’s pay attention to the super fresh modern buildings around there. Some famous builder dudes like Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, and Richard Meier changed the game in Basel. They whipped up some slick buildings that are all about new ideas and making things work better.
The Novartis Campus stands out as a futuristic design center with buildings from worldwide architects. While it’s not accessible, you can peek inside on guided tours. Another standout is the Messe Basel Exhibition Center, which boasts a bold metallic look from Herzog & de Meuron.
Just outside town, the ultra-modern buildings of the Fondation Beyeler and the Vitra Design Museum highlight how much Basel values excellent building design.
Hunt for One-of-a-Kind Treasures
Shopping is a joy in Basel, mixing fancy stores with cool local spots. You have to check out Freie Strasse—it’s super old and always buzzing, with all the posh global names, Swiss watches, and hip little shops.
Do you want to see something different? Swing by the weekly flea markets over at Petersplatz to scope out some old-school treasures, one-of-a-kind gems, and stuff people made by hand.
When winter hits, the Christmas markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz are a must—they turn this place into a huge party with all the holiday vibes.
Hang Out in Basel’s Lush Areas
Even though it’s in the middle of the city, Basel has many parks and gardens for chilling with some trees and plants. The Botanical Garden at the University of Basel is super old and has many plants, greenhouses, and nice spots for walking.
Kannenfeldpark is a big city park with lots of grass, places for kids to play, and calm, shady areas perfect for laying down a blanket and having a picnic. If you want to see the remarkable sights of the Rhine and the town, hurry over to the St. Alban area. It’s got paths by the river and quiet gardens where you can take it easy and relax.
Conclusion
Basel stands out, mixing old-time charm with new-age progress. Medieval tales intertwine with fresh creations, while Swiss customs get cozy with a global twist. Stroll through museums and the scenic Old Town, treat your taste buds with lively food spots, and chill by the Rhine. No matter how long you’re in town, Basel has something that’ll stick with you long after you’re gone. I hope our blog can help you plan out the perfect Basel trip. Next time you figure out things to do in Basel, Switzerland, you will know where to drop by. Adieu!